On January 17, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) signed legislation that will allow in state and out-of-state wineries (producing less than 250,000 gallons) to ship wine directly to New Jersey consumers. There will be a shipping permit fee ranging from $100 to $1000. Wineries that meet the capacity requirements will be permitted to ship up to 12 cases of wine annual to each individual consumer over the age of 21. WineAmerica will be working closely with our trade association counterparts and the state ABC to ensure that shipping regulations issued later this year will be reasonable.

The new law also allows in-state and out-of-state wineries to sell wine at retail in up to 15 sales rooms in New Jersey. Previously, this was only permitted for in state wineries. There will be a $250 fee for each retail sales room. Out-of-state wineries will also be permitted to sell to wholesalers and retailers in New Jersey.

WineAmerica’s Cary Greene spoke out forcefully in favor of New Jersey wineries and direct-to-consumer shipping at a hearing on a New Jersey bill (A4436). The bill was heard by that state’s Assembly Budget Committee on January 5 and was voted out of committee. It should be up for a vote on the floor of the New Jersey Assembly next week. A companion bill has already passed the state Senate.

We urge our members and anyone interested in direct shipping to make their voices heard in support of this important bill by going to http://www.uncorknj.com/ and writing a letter of support.

To access the recording of the hearing please go to the following link, the portion of the hearing devoted to our testimony begins at 2:02:10.

WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, on behalf of our member wineries in New Jersey and across the nation, encourages you to support A4436, a bill that would permit New Jersey and out-of-state wineries to self-distribute their products, operate satellite tasting outlets, and ship wine directly to New Jersey consumers. WineAmerica is the only national winery trade association.

We support this bill because it secures local winery privileges threatened by the recent Third Circuit decision in Freeman v. Corzine, 629 F.3d 146 (3d Cir. 2010) while expanding opportunity for all American wineries. A4436 offers continuing support to the New Jersey wine industry’s progress, growth and prosperity, and removes an unhelpful cloud of uncertainty that has prevented New Jersey wineries from opening their doors.

For more than a year, the looming Freeman decision has been a weight on the dynamic growth of the state’s wineries. A4436 will finally allow New Jersey winemakers to focus on what they do best—keep small farms viable and, through agri-tourism, build a new model for farm development.

A lack of action by the legislature is likely to lead the District of New Jersey to impose a remedy that will be harmful to the state and its businesses. A compulsory remedy could: (1) undermine the viability of New Jersey wineries; (2) undermine New Jersey’s alcohol beverage distribution laws; and (3) deny the state the ability to establish a more thoughtful solution that would balance the ability to regulate against a fully free market system, as A4436 does.

This legislation gives wineries authorities that are commonly permitted throughout the United States. Nearly every state allows wineries to operate tasting outlets. More than two-thirds of states allow some form of winery self-distribution and direct-to-consumer shipping.

New Jersey’s dynamic wine industry is a critical component of the state’s agricultural potential and heritage, and contributes to the preservation of rural landscapes that could otherwise be turned over to developers. In crafting its winery laws, New Jersey has rightly tried to keep these agricultural spaces vital and flourishing. A4436 supports this legitimate local purpose and promotes a traditional agricultural form—winemaking—that reliably makes family farming more economically feasible.

Small, dynamic businesses, like those of our members, that are particularly well-suited to small parcel agriculture; creating jobs in the state’s fastest growing agriculture segment; and paying more in taxes than they use in public resources, should be provided every opportunity to sell their goods in open markets. Wineries are keeping small farms viable and, through agri-tourism, are building a new model for farm development. New Jersey wineries are family destinations that educate consumers about local agriculture and feature local musicians and entertainers. Their impact is dynamic—helping make local restaurants, hotels, and attractions more profitable. In other words, local wineries are keeping the “Garden” in the “Garden State.”

Many New Jersey wineries are unable, or find it difficult, to reach consumers in the state, since smaller brands are not likely to find distribution through traditional three-tier channels. Satellite tasting outlets and self-distribution enable wineries to capture lost sales that often result from consumers’ inability to find their favorite New Jersey wines on local store shelves. Similarly, direct-to-consumer shipping has proven a vital channel for customers to find the wines they want, while still allowing for safe and effective regulation.

In a recent comprehensive report examining direct shipping laws in the states where shipping is allowed, the Maryland Comptroller’s Office, the state agency that regulates alcohol in Maryland, concluded that: (1) state regulation of direct-to-consumer shipping is effective; (2) the safety protocols written into state direct shipping laws prevent deliveries to minors; and (3) recordkeeping and reporting requirements give states the tools for effective tax collection on wine shipments. See Peter Franchot, Compt’r. of Md., Direct Wine Shipment Report (2010), available at http://www.comp.state.md.us/DWS_Complete.pdf.

We support A4436 because it reinforces existing winery privileges and expands opportunity for both in-state and out-of-state businesses in the form of direct-to-consumer shipping. Wineries add both to the character and the strength of New Jersey’s agricultural industry, tourism and family farm development. While direct shipping capacity caps remain problematic, see Family Winemakers of Cal. v. Jenkins, 592 F.3d 1 (1st Cir. 2010), but see Black Star Farms LLC v. Oliver, 600 F.3d 1225 (9th Cir. 2010), New Jersey wineries should be afforded the opportunity to operate efficiently and profitably and New Jersey’s citizens should be allowed the benefit of free access to the wines of their choice. We believe that A4436 promotes these aims, and respectfully request that you to support this important bill.